Paige Spiranac has revealed she received numerous death threats following her participation in the Internet Invitational, a tournament featuring golf influencers and YouTubers. The event, organized by Barstool Sports and Bob Does Sports, concluded with Spiranac’s team narrowly missing out on a $1 million prize during a dramatic final match held at Payne’s Valley in Missouri.
The tournament consisted of 48 competitors, with Spiranac playing alongside Frankie Borrelli from Barstool and Malosi Togisala from Good Good Golf. They faced off against Brad Dalke and Cody “Beefe” Franke, also from Good Good, along with Francis Ellis from Barstool. The final match was marked by controversy, particularly surrounding allegations of rule violations, which many viewers interpreted as “karma” for Spiranac and Togisala.
During the match, Spiranac was filmed improving her lie, a move she later claimed to have thought was permissible. Her emotional reaction included tears as she explained her misunderstanding. Togisala faced scrutiny for allegedly utilizing the slope feature on his rangefinder, which, while permitted, had specific restrictions that he may have violated.
In the aftermath, Spiranac disclosed on her Instagram that she has endured a wave of online abuse, stating, “I’m talking tens of thousands of death threats, people telling me to kill myself.” She described this period as the most intense backlash she has experienced in her decade-long career. The vitriol directed at her has prompted discussions about potentially seeking a restraining order due to the severity of the messages.
The former professional golfer expressed that the past week has been particularly challenging, emphasizing her struggle with the desire for acceptance and the emotional toll of online harassment. “I just needed to remove myself for my mental health,” she stated. Spiranac noted that she has been quiet on social media since the incident, prioritizing her wellbeing and relying on her support network during this difficult time.
In addressing the rule infraction, Spiranac reiterated her belief that she would never cheat intentionally. “I am painfully, painfully embarrassed that I did not know this rule,” she explained, adding that she has never been accused of cheating throughout her career. She is now committed to being more informed about the rules of the game.
The event took place over the summer at Cedar Lodge Resort in Ridgedale, Missouri, with the final match drawing significant attention online. Tragically, one of the winners, Cody “Beefe” Franke, passed away earlier this month, which adds a somber note to the tournament’s outcome.
As Spiranac navigates the challenges following the event, she remains a prominent figure in the golfing community, known for her candidness and engagement with fans. The incident has sparked discussions about the pressures faced by public figures in the digital age, highlighting the need for more compassion in online interactions.
